Why should I go abroad?

Study abroad enables you to integrate your studies at Merrimack College with a curriculum abroad and gain new perspectives on a variety of subjects. You will exchange ideas and information with students from different cultures and gain an increased awareness of cultural diversity and international issues. Perhaps the most important aspect of study abroad is that you will live in a new and challenging environment that inspires both personal and intellectual growth.

Who goes abroad?

About 18% of Merrimack students participate in some types of international experience (semester, full year, or short-term programs) by the time they graduate.

When can I go abroad?

Merrimack students may participate in a semester/year study abroad program as early as the Sophomore year. Merrimack also offers short-term study abroad programs that are open to students in all classes.

How can I go abroad if I am unable to go for a semester or year?

Students who are unable to go abroad for a semester or year may participate in short-term programs. Examples of short-term programs include summer, J-term, and study-travel courses. Courses may count for major/minor credit, and often there is no academic requirement to qualify for these programs. Students may study or complete an internship abroad.

What are the most popular study abroad destinations?

Historically, the most popular study abroad destinations have been Great Britain, Italy, Australia, Spain, Ireland, and France. More recently, students have enrolled in programs in non-traditional locations such as Argentina, Chile, China, Morocco, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

How important is this experience in a career later on?

Increasingly, research supports the view that students who have had international study experience are better equipped to compete in a global market because of specific skills and attitudes they acquired while abroad: better foreign language skills, deeper cross- cultural insights, and in general a higher level of maturity.

Do I have to speak a foreign language in order to go abroad?

While students are encouraged to study abroad in order to gain fluency in a foreign language, there are many programs in non-English-speaking countries where classes are taught in English. Most of these programs also include a language course in the language of the host country.

Should I study abroad for a full year?

Study abroad for a full academic year is considered the “gold standard” among international education experts. If your academic curriculum allows it, you should certainly study abroad for a whole year. Research has shown that the cultural integration and overall academic and personal added value of an international experience increases substantially with the longer time period spent abroad.